Table 2.
Drug repurposing examples and their mechanism of action in Colorectal Cancer.
| Target | Structure | Drug | Drug Class | Proposed Mechanism | Original Indications |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| D2 dopamine receptor |  |
Chlorpromazine (CPZ) | Antipsychotic agent | Tumor cell apoptosis induced by p53 expression | For the treatment of schizophreniato control nausea and vomiting; |
| Estrogen receptor |  |
Dehidroepiandrosterona (DHEA) | Over-the-counter dietary supplements | DHEA has a chemo-preventive effect on colon cancer precursors | Indicated for the treatment of lupus, depression, adrenal insufficiency, cervical cancer |
| Fatty acid synthase |  |
Orlistat | Treat obesity | Inhibit pancreatic lipase | Indicated for obesity management including weight loss and weight maintenance |
| (H+, K+)-ATPase enzyme |  |
Pantoprazole | Gastric protection | Prevent the final step in gastric acid production | Treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease associated with a history of erosive esophagitis |
| Pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase |  |
Dichloroacetate (DCA) | Treat brain cancer | Inhibit the enzyme pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase | Used for the treatment of warts and cauterization |
| Estrogen receptor |  |
Raloxifene | Reduce the risk of breast cancer | Mediate anti-estrogen effects on breast and uterine tissues | Indicated for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis |
| Cytochrome P-450-dependent enzymes |  |
Itraconazole | Against Histoplasmosis; Blastomycosis; Cryptococcal meningitis; Aspergillosis | Lead to impaired ergosterol synthesis | For the treatment of the following fungal infections in immunocompromised and non-immunocompromised patients |
| VEGF/VEGFR2 |  |
Tanshinone IIA | Treatment of coronary heart disease; angina; myocardial infarction | Interfere with the tumor cell cycle, promote tumor cell apoptosis, and inhibit tumor cell invasion and metastasis. | Used to treat patients suffering from myocardial infarction (MI), angina pectoris, stroke, diabetes, sepsis |
| 5-Hydroxytryptamineptamine receptor 2A |  |
Fluspirilene | Chronic schizophrenia | Guanine nucleotide binding to G protein triggers signal transduction and regulates the activity of downstream effectors. | Used for schizophrenia |